The Agatha Harkness
Who’s been watching WandaVision on Disney+? If you haven’t, stop reading now because there are some serious spoilers ahead. I know that seems weird for a cocktail post, but since this cocktail was inspired by one of the characters on the show, it’s absolutely necessary. Okay, now that all the legalese are out of the way, I can talk about this great show and the cocktail inspired by it.
I’m absolutely loving the show. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan in the beginning. I love a slow burn, but I need something to keep me coming back, and in the first couple episodes, there wasn’t a whole hell of a lot. I just felt I was watching old sitcom reruns… which was kinda the point. Then in Episode 3, things became a lot more clear and by the end, I was one hundred percent in and couldn’t wait for the next episode. I loved the characters, the writing and the most of all the acting. What does all this have to do with a cocktail?
Well, the biggest surprise (so far) was that Kathryn Hahn’s Agnes turned out to be Agatha Harkness and she might be pulling all the strings in Wanda’s Westview. There have definitely been hints that she’s been hiding something or had an agenda, but until episode 7, it was all speculation. Then at the end, we got the toe-tapping diddy, Agatha All Along and the cat (or rabbit) was officially out of the bag. So, in honor of the possibly evil witch and the season (series?) finale Friday, I created the Agatha Harkness cocktail.
This bewitching brew is perfect for all you gin fans who like their gin a little more floral and brightly colored. Since Agatha’s magic is purple and Agnes has been wearing purple since the show went full color, I went with the Empress 1908. It gets its violet color from the butterfly pea blossom. But the Empress has some magical powers of its own. See, the pea blossom may be indigo in color, but adding cucumber or ice takes the gin from indigo to royal blue. Adding a little citrus or tonic water on the hand, turns the blue to a beautiful purple. So, I added some lime juice. But gin and lime juice weren’t enough for this drink. I wanted a little sweet while upping the floral flavors, so I whipped up some lavender simple syrup because in episode 6, Agnes uses lavender to the calm Wanda’s twins. The tipple is finished off with a splash of St. Germaine (another flower) and soda because you all know how I love my bubbles. Because this drink was inspired by a witch, it should be served up in a glass that’s often associated with a creepy hag. Nothing screams witch more than a vintage crystal wine goblet, am I right? The Agatha is served on the rocks in a goblet, and finished off with a couple sprigs of lavender just in case she needs to cast a quick spell.
So, do you think Agatha’s working alone, or do you think she’s under someone else’s thumb? Will Vision get back to Wanda in time to save the twins from Agatha’s evil grasp? Will Wanda finally give in and join forces with Monica or will Director Hayward ruin everything with the newly restored White Vision? I guess we’ll find out Friday. And I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the finale than with a nice, cold Agatha Harkness. After all, it was “Agatha All Along”.
Ingredients
For the lavender simple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried lavender
- 1/3 cup sugar
For the Agatha Harkness cocktail
- 2 ounces Empress 1908 gin
- 3/4 ounce lavender simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce St. Germaine elderflower liqueur
- splash of club soda
Instructions
Make the syrup
- Combine the sugar, dried lavender and water in a small saucepan over low heat until simmering and sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 15 - 20 minutes. Strain into a small jar and let cool. (This can be kept in a sealed jar in the fridge for 2 weeks.)
Make the cocktail.
- Pour the gin, lavender syrup, lime juice and St. Germaine into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a wine goblet filled with a few chunks of clear ice. Top with soda. Garnish with a couple sprigs of fresh lavender and a lime wheel and serve.
